SciPost Phys. Proc. 5, 025 (2021) ·
published 6 September 2021
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In common with a number of simple processes involving elementary particles, charged pion decays are profoundly shaped by applicable Standard Model (SM) symmetries and properties. Given the highly precise SM theoretical description, pion decays are used as selective probes of SM parameters, and of possible SM extensions. The PEN experiment at PSI is studying the π + → e + ν e (γ), or π_ e2(γ) decay. The primary goal is to reach the relative precision of 5 × 10 ^{−4} in Re/μ^π, the branching ratio for π_ e2(γ) decay. We review the PEN research program, its present status, and prospects.
SciPost Phys. Proc. 5, 024 (2021) ·
published 6 September 2021
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· pdf
As the lightest meson, pion offers unique opportunities for measuring parameters and testing limits of the Standard Model (SM). The PiBeta experiment, carried out at PSI, focused on SM tests accessible through the pion beta, π + → π 0 e + ν e (γ), and electronic radiative, π + → e + ν e γ, decay channels. We review the PiBeta experiment, and update the pion beta decay branching ratio B πβ^exp = 1.038(6) tot × 10 −8 , along with the corresponding derived value of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element V ud = 0.9738(28).